Man, I've traveled most of the way across the country, spent the last two days showing birds to people, and Blogger feels this is a good time to go unreliable on me. Asi es la vida. Win some, lose some, life rolls forward.
I have come to realize an inner truth on this trip (and it has nada to do with Blogger). My destiny is to roam the Earth in search of birds; then finding them and sharing them with other people.
It's a good gig. I like it. And I'm acceptably good at it. Someone once introduced me before a talk I was giving, as "The Pied Piper of Bird Watching." I'm not sure anyone has ever said a nicer thing about me. I willingly accept the scepter.
So here we are in Socorro, NM about 30 minutes north of Bosque del Apache NWR. We're taking lots of pictures. We are endeavoring to keep the kids in line. I have gotten up at 4 am the past two days to help lead a field trip called "Black-belt Birding." I have been unabashedly wearing a brown belt throughout the week.
The highlights thus far include Julie's amazing keynote last night at the Macey Center in Socorro. We played a bit of music (Side of the Road and Urge for Going, with images) before and after, and Zick rocked the house with her deeply intriguing and painlessly informative program called "Hummingbird Summer." Raves ensued.
The other highlight has been watching Phoebe and Liam out in the world, facing new challenges and situations. So far, not much blood, and things are going fairly well. At this very moment, JZ and kids are swimming at Jeff Bouton's hotel while I have ensconced myself in the Socorro Springs brewery (with a wireless connex) so I could catch up on e-mail, BOTB, etc.
Since Blogger is either hitting the rocky seas of puberty or the fiery furnace of menopause (or both) I'll just post just a few photos now with hopes for better luck in the coming days.
Peace! and a smile that lasts you awhile...
BOTB
A young bald eagle tries to enjoy a meal of coot while several American crows look on.
Red-shafted flickers are very handsome birds!
JZ sketched the cooperative flicker while the rest of us sought new birds for the list. Moments later: white-fronted goose.
It's 9 pm and I'm readin' yer blug from Bouton's hotel room. Couple of soaked kids, trying to weasel their way into staying in the nice hotel. Way to blog, darlin'. Thanks for the nice werds.
ReplyDeleteNice, nice....epiphany, birds, swimming kids and a brewery. I think you are having maybe a great life.
ReplyDeleteBOTB,
ReplyDeleteAnd from the vantage point of my computer screen, I thank you for sharing your wonderful life with blogger buddies who enjoy sharing your wonderful life. The view from here is delightful too.
You and Julie have a way of making life look especially fun!
Can't wait to see more pics!
Lynn in N Ridgeville
I was so sad to miss seeing you when you were up at Carlisle. Sigh. But so glad to see that you made it to Northern Ohio. Hoping for other opportunities.
Bill, I am new to your blog and deeply enjoying your wonderful adventures. I sure hope you get blogger working so we can see some more photos!
ReplyDeleteHey Mon@arch you have strayed from Flickr. You have found one of the best bird/nature blogs in the kingdom.
ReplyDeleteBT3, wireless, in a brewery! How does Julie get you back outside?
What a lovely thought "Peace! and a smile that lasts you awhile..."
RR
B,
ReplyDeleteLove to you, Julie and the kids. Missing you all terribly, and wishing I was there! I can hardly wait for The Whole Story and all the photos that illustrate it!
Best birding,
Love,
S
What a life, and a great destiny to realize! Enjoy it!
ReplyDelete